Shooting Star Editing

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FIRST CHAPTER

evaluation

The first chapter, the first page, even the first paragraph is where potential readers will decide whether they want to spend their time and their mental and emotional energy on your book. This evaluation is a constructive critique, intended to help you connect with your intended audience through an analysis of the big picture elements. Big picture elements include characterization, conflict, worldbuilding, plot, and internal consistency.

Note: This evaluation does not include detailed critiques or corrections of smaller elements like word choice, sentence structure, grammar, or punctuation. I will, however, point out general patterns I see with these.

My goal as an editor is to understand your work and what you’re trying to accomplish with it, and then to help you achieve your vision, immerse your readers, and get them hooked into your book. Every chapter and every scene of your novel or novella is important. Every chapter needs be as polished as the first. But the first chapter is the part of the story that gets you in the door.

I will send you a copy of your manuscript with comments, as well as a letter going over important strengths of your work, as well as suggestions to help you form a stronger connection with your readers.

If you’re interested in an evaluation for a first chapter, up to 8,000 words, fill out the form below.

Short-form fiction evaluation

Interest form

This form is for interest in editing services for first chapters and short stories up to 8,000 words.

Note: This form is not an agreement. It’s meant for you to let me know you’re interested in receiving editing services and to give basic information so I can start to understand what kind of story we’d be working with.

For novels, novellas, and stories that are over 8,000 words, please fill out this form to request a free sample edit.

For general questions, please fill out this form.

Name

First Name

Last Name

What services are you interested in?

First Chapter Evaluation

Short Story (8K words or less) Evaluation

What are you looking for with this service?

Title of your work:

(If you don't yet have a title, you can put TBD.)

Word count of your complete work:

(If the work is not yet complete, please give an estimate.)

Genre of this work:

Target Audience Age Range for this work:

Publishing Goals with this work:

Content

Does this work contain any of the following content? Excessive graphic violence, gratuitous violence, explicit sex, sexual assault, glorification of abuse or objectification. I DO NOT edit this type of content. If the answer is yes, please find a different editor.

Yes

Unsure

Does this work contain AI generated content?

Note: I do NOT use generative AI to edit your content.

Is this work written in English?

Yes

Is this story or chapter complete?

Yes

Have you been published before?

How did you hear about Shooting Star Editing?

Message